Retinal

Retinal (CAS 116-31-4), also known as retinaldehyde or Vitamin A aldehyde, is the aldehyde form of Vitamin A (molecular formula C₂₀H₂₈O, MW 284.44 g/mol). As a member of the retinoid family, it occupies a key intermediate position in Vitamin A metabolism and carries the same authorised EU health claims under Regulation (EC) No 432/2012 associated with Vitamin A, including contributions to normal vision, immune function, maintenance of skin and mucous membranes, normal iron metabolism, and cell specialisation. In personal care and cosmetics, retinal is valued as a highly active retinoid for topical formulations. It appears as a yellow to yellow-orange powder or oil-soluble concentrate and is used in anti-ageing creams, serums, and skin-conditioning products. Its direct conversion to retinoic acid in the skin — requiring only a single oxidation step — makes it a preferred active for formulators seeking efficacy at low inclusion rates, with typical cosmetic concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% depending on the end formulation.

For food and flavouring applications, retinal is recognised as a flavouring substance and contributes to the characteristic organoleptic profile of select food matrices. Buyers working to FEMA or equivalent European flavouring frameworks should verify substance status in applicable positive lists prior to use, as regulatory scope varies by jurisdiction and application. In nutraceutical and supplement manufacturing, formulators should note that this specific form of Vitamin A is not listed in Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC governing permitted nutrient sources in food supplements in the EU. Procurement teams should confirm regulatory fitness for purpose before incorporating retinal into finished supplement products intended for the EU market.

SoleChem supplies retinal in a range of technically appropriate grades — including cosmetic grade and food-grade material — with purity specifications typically at 98% or above. Available physical forms include crystalline powder and oil-soluble solution concentrates, enabling compatibility across aqueous, anhydrous, and emulsion-based systems. Microencapsulated or CWS (cold-water-soluble) formats can be discussed upon enquiry for applications requiring enhanced stability or dispersibility. Given retinal's sensitivity to light, heat, and oxidation, all material is handled and packaged under controlled conditions. Small-volume lots are available in sealed aluminium foil bags or amber glass containers of 1–5 kg for R&D and pilot-scale work. Bulk commercial quantities are supplied in 25 kg drums or cartons with appropriate inert gas blanketing where required.

Each batch is supported by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in line with GHS/CLP requirements — the signal word for this substance is Danger. Technical documentation, samples, and bulk pricing are available on request through SoleChem's dedicated industrial supply desk.